RN to BSN or BSN

juliaann · Apr 17, 2010

It depends on your school, and if you're going full-time or part-time.

ADN programs are typically 4 semesters full-time.

ADN-to-BSN are typically 2-4 semesters full-time, depending on how many pre-reqs your ADN required, and how many you have left.

BSN programs are typically 4 semesters full-time of *nursing* classes, but usually have quite a few additional pre-requisites than ADN programs have, so you'll spend more time doing pre-reqs. A traditional BSN will take about 8 semesters, or 4 years with all the additional requirements.

At least, that's the breakdown in my area. Your best bet would be to look up the nursing programs on the schools you're considering's websites. Most college websites these days have general information about their programs and the curriculum listed.

cicatrixx15 · Apr 17, 2010

Wow, that video is OLD!

litchi · Apr 17, 2010

BSN takes four years.

ADN is usually two years. The RN-BSN program might take a little longer than two years to complete, depending on how many prereqs you have to complete.

At the CC near me, you do get some of them done but not all.. so for example- if I got my ADN and then wanted to do the bridge, I'd have to take chemistry, biology, English 102, literature, sociology, history and two humanties electives first. I'm sure it's different from school to school, so you'll have to check in at colleges you're interested in and compare programs. After that, the bridge program takes about a year. I think it's possible to take all those prerequisites in two to three semesters.. so you could be finished right around the same time you would be if you went straight for the BSN.

Going straight for the BSN seems a lot more simple, but it's usually a little more expensive. Going ADN then bridge gives you the advantage of being able to work as an RN after the first two years though.. so, it's really up to you. You'll be an RN either way you go.

I think if I had it to do over again, I'd apply to the ADN program to see if I could get in. If I did, I'd take it. If I didn't, I'd just work on my prereqs (try again for ADN the next year and if still no go) then go for the BSN once I had them all complete.

vegas2009 · Apr 17, 2010

Cool video though, but it is pretty obvious that it was based on the 'good old days' of nursing. I miss the old days (sniff), where nurses ACTUALLY had choices on what shift they want to work in and what specialty.

kmgf316e · Apr 17, 2010

Hello! I graduated in December with my associates in nursing, it took 2 years for the program and about 1 year before to complete all my pre-reqs. I would recommend to have all your pre reqs done before you go into the program so you can focus on Nursing and not other classes. This summer and fall im taking my pre reqs for my BSN and I start in a one year RN-BSN program in January. This route worked great for me. I was able to pay for my schooling, NO student loans and Debt free with a college degree, But if I went to a university and had to pay 7K+ a year for 4years, I would have some money to pay back.

All in All, It would take me 5 years for my BSN, 1 year for pre reqs at the beginning, 2 years in the associates program.. Now working at the hospital as a nurse.. Taking 1 year for pre reqs for my BSN, and then 1 year for the RN-BSN

Even with an associates degree, I was able to get a job at the hospital (I started in Feb.), now Im making money and able to pay for my RN-BSN with out loans.

Either way they both get you to the same place... An RN, but just review the 2 options, the pros and cons and see which option works best for you.

Good Luck!

delilas · Apr 17, 2010

I'm doing LPN to RN, and then RN to BSN.

My rationale? The majority of the RN to BSN is theory classes, and at all the local schools here, can be taken online. So I can take a job in nursing while finishing out my degree, rather than having to wait for graduation of BSN to sit for my boards.

on eagles wings, ASN, RN · Apr 17, 2010

It depends on you. I am going RN-BSN because it is muchhh cheaper for me to do ADN first. Also, I need to work soon and a BSN will take me a year longer because more gen eds and in program credits. I think of it this way: I am going to be an RN either way, and ADN means I'll be an RN sooner. The BSN program would cost me 39k whereas ADN would cost me 7k. Mmmmmmhm.

S.N. Visit, BSN, RN · Apr 17, 2010

I'm happy that I went ADN first ($91 per credit hour). My RN to BSN bridge program is going to cost me between about $375-$410 per credit hour . I have to do online so my family and work life isn't interrupted they way it would be if I had to attend set classes.